Systems and methods for providing variable output feedback to a user of a household appliance

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention uses an on-board microcontroller of a household appliance to receive signals from a directionless encoder attached to a knob for receiving user input and processing the signals from the direction encoder according to a control algorithm. The microcontroller may increase the output to an electric heating element on the appliance based on a variety of criteria, including either direction of rotation, current heating element setting, or a change in directional rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the microcontroller may provide various types of graduate visual or aural feedback to the user regarding the output provided by the microcontroller.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to user control systems forhousehold appliances. More particularly, variable visual and/or audiblefeedback if provided to a user of a kitchen appliance to facilitateready determination of the status of the appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, household appliance controls have been based onmechanical components. Mechanical timers, relays, and solenoids wereused to effect various cycles of operation, opening and closingcircuits, and actuating mechanical assemblies. Through decades of designand refinement, these controls provide a lost cost approach of achievingthe basic functionality found in many household appliances.

However, mechanical assemblies and components are only reliable to acertain extent. For example, mechanical relays or timers are generallyreliable for a certain number of hours of use, but beyond this level,their reliability decreases. Since failure of a single component oftenrenders the whole appliance non-functional, improving the reliability ofthe appliance past a certain point is difficult while maintaining costsof the components within certain constraints.

Further, mechanical assemblies and components are designed typically toonly perform basic functions. There is limited flexibility as to whatthe mechanical assemblies can do and how they can operate. Implementingnew functions or user features is typically not possible with theexisting mechanical assemblies. For example, piezoelectric buzzers arecommonly employed in appliances, but the control circuitry is limited,and typically capable of only providing a singe frequency ‘beep’ asfeedback to the user, typically in regard to notification of an error oran event (timer expiry).

Many household appliances are now becoming more “intelligent” byincorporating microcontrollers, which is feasible in part due to the lowprice of such microcontrollers. Many aspects of the operation arecontrolled not by mechanical relays and devices, but by a microprocessorexecuting control software. The software allows flexibility in providingnew features and modes of operation.

In particular, the use of microprocessors dedicated to controlling ahousehold appliance allows greater flexibility in interacting with theuser of the device. Thus, various displays, modes of operation, and userfeedback can be provided to a user by using the same microprocessor usedto control the appliance.

One approach for using a microprocessor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,490,488 to Pearman et al. Although the cost of microprocessors havebecome less expensive, Pearman discloses using a touch screen displayand/or a tactile keyboard input which not only significantly increasesthe cost of the appliance, but may not be desirable from a human designand marketing aspect.

Thus, a need exists for a flexible, yet inexpensive, systems and methodsof provide enhanced user interactions with a household appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, systems are disclosed for providinguser feedback to a user controlling a household appliance comprising aninput device operated by the user for controlling the operational statusof the appliance, a microcontroller receiving a signal from the inputdevice and generating in response a first ouptut signal and a secondoutput signal, a heating element receiving the first output signal, anda plurality of discrete LEDs controlled by the second output signalwhere the microcontroller activates at least two or more of the discreteLEDs associated with the heating element receiving the first outputsignal.

In another embodiment of the invention, a system is disclosed forproviding user feedback to a user controlling a household appliancecomprising an input device operated by the user for controlling theoperational status of the appliance, a microcontroller receiving asignal from the input device and generating in response a first ouptutsignal and a second output signal, and an audible sound generatingreceiving the second output signal and generating one from a pluralityof sounds.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed forproviding visual feedback to a user of an appliance comprising receivinginput from the user regarding the operation status of the appliance,determining in a microcontroller a variable output control signalcontrolling the operation status of the household appliance, generatingat least one signal in the microcontroller activating at least one of aplurality of discrete LEDs in proportion with the variable outputcontrol signal.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed forproviding audible feedback to a user of an appliance comprisingreceiving input from the user regarding the operation status of theappliance, determining in a microcontroller a variable output controlsignal controlling the operation status of the household appliance,generating at least one signal in the microcontroller causing a soundgenerator to generate a tone associated with first output controlsignal.

These are only several of the potential embodiments of the invention andare not intended to limit or be used for interpreting the scope of theclaims of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a microcontroller interfaced to adigital encoder, a piezoelectric buzzer, and a plurality of LEDs inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a state diagram associated with one embodiment of theoperation of the variable input encoder according to the principles ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart associated with one embodiment of thevariable encoder operation according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 depicts a household appliance associated with one embodiment ofthe variable feedback provided according to the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of providing aural feedback based onburner output settings according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is another embodiment of providing aural feedback for increasinga burner output setting according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of providing aural feedback for decreasinga burner output setting according to the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of providing aural feedback according tothe principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed andthat modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

Using systems and processes described herein, the present inventiongenerally describes using a microcontroller for greater control andenhanced user interaction with a household appliance. The utilization ofmicrocontrollers provides flexibility in altering the operation of thecontrol of an appliance, allowing incorporation of different featuresand distinguishing the household appliance from other competitivemodels.

Incorporation of a microcontroller allows greater flexibility incontrolling the appliance, but in many cases the user interaction withthe appliance is limited to the same input/output devices used prior tothe introduction of microcontrollers. Consequently, many of thecapabilities of the microcontroller in provided enhanced userinteraction are not fully utilized.

In FIG. 1, a block diagram is disclosed for a control circuit that maybe employed for controlling a household appliance. Although theapplication of the principles of the present invention are disclosed inthe context of an electric cook top, the principles can apply to ranges,ovens, gas stoves, refrigerators, washer, dryers, dishwashers, and othertypes of household appliances. Further, the principles may apply toelectronics devices, commercial control systems, alarm systems, andindustrial applications as well.

FIG. 1 illustrates a microcontroller 100 that receives inputs from aplurality of digital encoders 106 a. The microcontroller may be known byother names or implemented in various forms, such as a microprocessoroperatively connected to separate memory, or a single chipmicrocomputer. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatvarious embodiments of a microcontroller are possible, and areassociated with different manufacturers. Typically, the microcontrolleris a single chip processor incorporating a limited amount of memory andI/O capabilities. Many incorporate special purpose functionsincorporated, such as integrated pulse-wave modulators, A/D and D/Aconverters, etc., and are well known in the art.

The digital encoder is also well known in the art. An incrementaldigital encoder provides digital signals indicating relative movement,typically relative rotation movement on a shaft. These are often used asinput devices in which the shaft is affixed to a knob. Digital encodersare typically categorized as incremental or absolute. For example,incremental digital encoders may incorporate a disk around a rotatingshaft where the disk has periodic holes through which light passes andis detected. This produces a digital signal, typically a pulse waveform,that can indicate how many degrees the shaft has rotated. In someembodiments, the direction of rotation is indicated, or can be derivedby, looking at two pulse waveform signals. An absolute digital encoderis more sophisticated in that a series of indicia on the disk allow theabsolute position of the shaft to be detected. Either type of digitalencoder can be adapted for use according to the principles of thepresent invention. In one embodiment, the encoder provides a relativeindication of rotation of a shaft with a directional indication which isinterpreted by the microcontroller as a user input.

The digital encoder 106 detects the rotary movement of a shaft 105 thatis typically coupled to an input knob 107. For example, on an electriccook top, the knob 107 may be located within easy reach of the user andthe knob 107 is coupled to shaft. Although not shown in FIG. 1, theshaft typically passes through a hole in the surface of the cook top.The rotational movement of the shaft is detected by a rotary digitalencoder 106 located inside of the appliance, which in this embodiment isan electric cook top. FIG. 1 illustrates two digital encoders, shafts,and knobs. Typically, a cook top will have one digital rotary encoderfor each electric heating element (“burners”), of which there aretypically four. Other embodiments may employ more or less. Further,although illustrated using a rotary directionless encoder, other typesof devices may be used to provide a vector-based input signal. A vectorbased input signal is one that provides not only a magnitude ofmovement, but also a directional indication. Thus, electromagneticpotentiometers, touchpads, or a series of switches (mechanical,capacitance, electronic, or combination) can be used. Further suchdevices do not necessarily require the user to impart a rotation toindicate a direction. A linear motion (e.g., a ‘sliding’ linearpotentiometer) could be used as well. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that many embodiments of directional encoders and theirequivalents could be used and adapted to practice the principles of thepresent invention.

The rotary encoders typically detect user input in the form of rotationof the knob. Because the digital encoder itself may not employ alimiting mechanism, it may be appropriate to design the shaft or knob(or even the digital encoder) such that a stop prohibits rotary movementbeyond a certain point. For an electric burner control, the range ofmotion may be limited to 180 or 270 degrees, or some other amount. Inother embodiments, the rotation of the shaft may not be limited and mayrotate freely.

The output of the encoder 106 typically comprises two signals allowingthe microcontroller 100 to determine amount and direction of rotation.In other embodiments, the signals from the encoders may be multiplexedtogether, buffered, converted, or otherwise processed. Themicrocontroller interprets the signals according to a software programit is executing.

The microcontroller also provides output signals. One output signaltypically is provided to an amplifier 102 that in turn provides an inputsignal to a piezoelectric buzzer 104. The output signal 103 may in ofvarious shapes, but in one embodiment, the output signal is a variableoutput signal in the form of a pulse-width modulated signal, which canbe at various duty cycles, frequencies, and amplitudes so as to generatethe desired sound from the piezoelectric buzzer 104. The piezoelectricbuzzer is a solid state device capable of emitting a buzzing sound,although other sounds may be generated based on the output of thecontrol signal. For example, the output signal from the microcontrollermay be a pulse width modulated signal with a certain frequency, dutycycle, duration, and level so as to produce a tone corresponding with anote—e.g., “A” associated with 440 cycles per second. Although apiezoelectric buzzer is used to illustrate the application of theinventive principles, other types of audio output devices may be used,the most common alternative is a traditional ferromagnetic speaker.

Another type of output signal generated by the microcontroller is usedto control various discrete LEDs 116 and/or multi-segment LED displays114. These signals are shown in collectively in FIG. 1 as an arrow 108.Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are variousapproaches that can be used for activating LEDs, including providingindividual control signals, multiplexing signals using additionalcircuitry, etc. The LEDs controlled may be a plurality of discrete LEDs116 that typically include current limiting resistors 117 that aremounted individually or in a group as a module on a circuit board orother surface. The LEDs could also be a multi-segment LED 114 displaycapable of indicating a particular number, typically based on the valueof an input signal. Those skilled in the art of electronics willrecognize that a variety of shapes, colors, and configurations of LEDsare readily possible. Further, the LEDs are typically not drivendirectly by the microcontroller, but typically involve additionalcircuitry 112 for driving the LEDs as appropriate.

Typically, the LEDs displays are mounted in a hole or opening on theappliance, or in the case of solid surface cook tops, the LEDs may bemounted underneath a tinted glass cook top such that the LEDs arevisible when activated, and ‘disappear’ (i.e., are not readily visible)when deactivated. In many embodiments, a single LED may light whenactivated and indicia, such as painted letters indicating “On” or “Hot”,are affixed above the LED to the glass cook top. Thus, when the light ison, the user is able to readily detect that the cook top is “on.” (Seefor example, FIG. 4.) The LEDs may be located in different locations, orrelative to each other, in various embodiments, as will be illustratedlater.

Finally, the microcontroller 110 provides various appliance controlsignals, shown collectively as arrow 110 for controlling the appliancefunctions, including in the present embodiment, activating heatingelements. Typically, the microcontroller outputs are received by othercircuitry 118 that controls the application of the supply voltage to thespecific burner element and affects the operational status of theappliance. In other appliances, the appliance control output may controlmotors, compressors, pumps, displays, valves, or other mechanismsassociated with the appliance's operational status. Again, themicrocontroller typically does not directly drive the heating element orother devices, but relies on additional circuitry (e.g. 118 or 112) forproviding the necessary power to the affected device. The heatingelements may be of various types, including radiant heat, induction, orotherwise. Further, although shown circular in shape, many otherconfigurations are possible.

Directionless Digital Encoder

It is well known to use knobs for facilitating user input to controllingthe output level of a burner on an electric cook top. In many cases theknobs are attached to a shaft and rotate a heavy-duty potentiometerdirectly controlling the burner. With the microcontroller, a digitalencoder may be use to receive user input. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the microcontroller interprets the signals from thedigital encoder and adjusts the appliance control output signals inresponse. For purposes of illustration, the microcontroller stores anumerical value (“indicia”) in a register that is altered based, inpart, by the user input. The indicia value also corresponds, indirectlyor directly, to the level of a control signal output level. In oneembodiment, when the burner is “off”, i.e., it is not receiving anypower or generating any heat, the indicia value is zero. When the knobis turned by the user, the digital encoder indicates signals to themicrocontroller and the microcontroller determines the amount ofrotation relative to a defined scale and increases the value of theindicia accordingly, independent of the direction of rotation.Thereafter, for microcontroller ‘remembers’ the direction of rotationand interprets signals from the digital encoder corresponding to thesame direction of rotation as “increasing” the indicia, and signals fromthe digital encoder corresponding to the opposite direction of rotationas “decreasing” the indicia (and output of the burner). Thus, when theburner is off (e.g., the indicia is zero), rotating the knob in anydirection will increase the output to the burner. Further rotating theknob in the same direction further increases the output, until themaximum allowed level is reached. At any point, rotation in the oppositedirection is interpreted as decreasing the desired input, until ofcourse, the indicia is zero.

Based on the previous experience of the user with appliance controls,the user may expect clockwise (or counter-clockwise) rotation toincrease the burner output. Using a directionless digital encoder allowseither rotational direction to be used initially by a user to activateand increase a burner, and the other direction to decrease and turn offthe burner. Because there is no single standard of rotation used for allappliances, this embodiment can accommodate either rotational directionas increase the indicia.

The microcontroller stores a directional indicator as to which directionwas initially used to turn the burner on, and stores this directionalvalue until the burner has been turned off. Once off, either directionagain may be used to turn on the burner. In the embodiment justdescribed, the microcontroller stores rotational directional indicationfor the duration of the time that the indicia is non-zero.

This embodiment allows a kitchen appliance to accommodate differentcustoms of usage by the user. In many cases, certain appliances use acounter-clockwise direction to activate a burner (which is quite commonwith manual gas valves on gas ranges) while other appliances (such aselectric ranges) use a clock-wise rotational direction to activate aburner.

In another embodiment, the microcontroller stores the rotationaldirectional indication only until the maximum indicia value is reached.The operation associated with this embodiment is described in FIG. 2.FIG. 2 illustrates a state diagram of the relationship of the userrotation of the directionless digital encoder and the microcontroller'sinterpretation of the signals generated therefrom. As before, it ispresumed that the digital encoder results in an indicia being increasedor decreased, and that effects the output of a burner. The processbegins in FIG. 2 in the initial state 200 with a minimum indicia settingin which the burner is “off”. Although the initial state is illustratedas being in the “off” position with a minimum indicia setting, otherembodiments may defined the initial state as being “on” and/or with amaximum indicia setting. Line 201 represents user input by turning theknob on the directionless encoder. In this instance, any rotationaldirection is interpreted by the microcontroller as increasing theindicia (e.g., increasing the power to the burner). Typically, theincrease in the indicia is proportional to the degree of rotation of theshaft, relative to some scale. For example, the microcontroller mayinterpret the range of rotation from minimum to maximum as correspondingto 180 degrees rotation of knob, so that a quarter turn (e.g., 90degrees) results in half of the maximum indicia level and half of themaximum power to the burner. Variations on the scale, maximum rotationalamount and how the microcontroller varies the control output signalbased on the inputs are readily possible and within the principles ofthe present invention.

Although the user may perceive rotating the knob 90 degrees as onecontinuous action, the actual operation of the digital encoder is thatof providing a series of pulses to the microcontroller. Thus, themicrocontroller interprets the single action as a series of multiplesingle step rotations. The first pulse received places themicrocontroller in the intermediate indicia setting state 202. Thisstate represents an indicia that is more than zero and less than themaximum. Each subsequent pulse received from the digital encoderassociated with the quarter turn of the knob will be in the samedirection. Each of these inputs is represented by line 203 and resultsin incrementing the indicia, but returns the microcontroller to the samestate 202.

Assume instead of turning the knob partway, that the user turns the knoball the way to maximum. Typically, there will be a mechanical stop, sothat turning the knob beyond 180 degrees is not possible. This againwould result in a sequence of pulses, in which the microcontrollerincreases the indicia and returns to the intermediate indicia state.However, upon incrementing the indicia for the last time, e.g. when themaximum indicia value is obtained as represented by line 204, thisplaces the microcontroller in the maximum indicia setting state 207. Inthis state, the indicia is at a maximum, and the microcontrollerprovides a maximum output control signal, typically causing the burnerto generate maximum heat.

Assuming at some later time (e.g., when cooking has been completed), theuser then turns off the burner by rotating the knob. In the previousembodiment, decreasing the burner required turning the knob in theopposite direction. In this embodiment, either direction of rotation isinterpreted by the microcontroller as decreasing the indicia and outputof the burner. Thus, in line 208, any rotational direct reduces theindicia and the output of the burner. Since the turn of the knobtypically results in a plurality of pulses, the microcontrollerinterprets the first pulse and direction and returns to the intermediateindicia setting state. Then, subsequent pulses in the same direction areinterpreted as decreasing the indicia. Finally, when the indicia changesfrom 1 to 0 (assuming whole numbers are used to represent the indicia),the microcontroller then moves to the minimum indicia setting state 200,which equates to the burner being turned off.

Thus, in this embodiment, any knob rotation direction turns the burneron, and that same direction is used to increase the burner output level.The opposite direction then decreases the burner output level. However,once the maximum level is obtained, then either direction may be used todecrease the burner, until the burner is off. Once the burner has beendecreased by turning the knob in a given direction, and the burner isstill on, then turning the knob in the other direction will increase theburner's output.

In some embodiments, a timer or counter may be used once the maximumlevel is reached. For example, assume the indicia ranges from 0 to 100.When the knob is turned in a given direction, the indicia increases.When going from 99 to 100, the microcontroller is now at its maximum. Ifthe user were to accidentally continue turning the knob (e.g., themechanical stop wears, slips, or is defective), the microcontrollerwould normally consider this an input that would then decrease theindicia. In one variation of this embodiment, the microcontroller mayignore the next certain number of input pulses (e.g., 10 pulses) afterthe maximum indicia has been reached, before then decreasing theindicia. Alternatively, a timer could be used so that once the maximumlevel is reached, additional inputs for a limited time (e.g., 100milliseconds) would not be interpreted as decrementing the indicia. Thiswould prevent “overshoot” in which the user rapidly attempts to turn theknob to maximum capability.

Turning to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of themicrocontroller processing of the encoder input is shown. The processbegins at the Start 300 step, with the indicia at a minimum (e.g.,zero). The microcontroller then waits for user input at the next step302, which is in the form of rotating the knob connected to thedirectionless encoder resulting in output signals generated by theencoder. These signals are interpreted as increasing the indicia in step304 regardless of the direction of turning, since any turning of theencoder can only increase the indicia. The microcontroller tests whetherthe indicia has reached its maximum at step 306. If the maximum has notbeen reached, the microcontroller then waits for the user to turn theknob again in step 308. If additional input is received, it is tested atstep 312 to see if it is in the same direction. If it has, then in step318 the indicia is increased. If the indicia is not at its maximum instep 322, then the process returns to step 308 and continues.

If however at step 306 the maximum value is reached, than the systemproceeds to step 326 and waits for additional input. Although not shown,a timer may be employed so that repeatedly increasing the indicia byturning the knob at its maximum does not result in immediatelydecreasing the indicia (thus avoiding the ‘overshoot’ condition). Afterstep 326, any further input at step 330 results in the indiciadecreasing. Similarly, steps 326 and 330 are executed if the indiciareaches a maximum at step 322.

Once the indicia is being decreased, either from testing at step 312 orfrom the result of step 330 or 310, the indicia is tested at step 314 todetermine whether the indicia is at a minimum. If not, then the processcontinues to receive user input at step 316, and if the direction ofrotation is the same, decreases the indicia in step 324 and againtesting whether it is at a minimum in step 328. If the indicia is not ata minimum, the process loops to step 316. If the indicia is at aminimum, either from the test at step 314 or 328, then the process loopsaround to step 300.

Those skilled in the art realize that other logic flows to implement thesame logic can be defined, and that modifications are possible to thedisclosed flowchart. For example, in another embodiment, rotating thedirectionless encoder in one direction increases the indicia until themaximum is reached and then decreases the indicia until a minimum isreached, and then the cycle continues. The determination of the indiciavalue is based on the processing logic programmed into themicrocontroller, and different variations are possible. However, in anycase, the value determined for the indicia requires the programminglogic of the microcontroller to properly interpret the signals from thedirectionless encoder.

Output Devices

As illustrated, the microcontroller may use the indicia to directly varythe appliance output control signals 110 of FIG. 1 in order to alter theoutput level of a burner, open a valve, or perform some other action. Inaddition, or separately, the microcontroller may also vary signals tovarious feedback devices, such as the LED display control signals 108 orto the piezoelectric buzzer 104. Although the feedback devices areillustrates as a piezoelectric buzzer 104 of FIG. 1 or LEDs, other typesof aural and visual feedback devices can be used, such as ferro-magneticspeakers or LCD displays displaying graphics or icons.

Visual Output Devices

FIG. 4 illustrates one type of visual feedback indicator that may beprovided to the user. In FIG. 4, an electric smooth-surface cook top 300is illustrated. In one embodiment, the cook top operates using theprinciples of induction heating. In this case, the induction heatingelements are also considered as being electric heating elements. Inother embodiments, another form of heating element, a radiant heatingelement, may be employed. In this mode of operation, the heatingelements or “burners” 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, 302 d create a rapidlychanging magnetic field that causes ferrous-based cooking containers toheat. Thus, when a “burner” is “on”, it is not readily apparent to theuser by a red glow of radiant heat under the cooking container as isobserved with radiant electric heating elements. Other embodiments mayuse other forms of resistance based heating elements or heating elementwith different areas of coverage (e.g., rectangular). For example, oneburner 302 c may have a reduced area of coverage 302 e, which representsa lower heat setting. This may be indicated on the glass cook topsurface by a circular indicia of a different size within a largercircular indicia.

The cook top 300 typically comprises a tempered glass surface 304. Theglass is typically tinted a dark color (e.g., black) so that the burnerelements 302 are not readily visible. Rather, an outline of the burnerareas on the glass surface are indicated using indicia (e.g., etching orpaint on the glass surface). Further, the cook top also includes acontrol area 306 that typically has four controls 310 typicallycorresponding to a particular burner. The control area may also have anumerical value 308 displayed associated with the power provided to theburner when the corresponding burner is turned on. In the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the upper left burner 302 a is turned on to a level of “4” 308.Typically, a range from 1–9 is indicated (although other ranges may beused, such as 1–10, or 0–9). Although the number provides one form ofvisual feedback to the user, the control area 306 may be covered byother cooking utensils, and/or the numerical value 308 may not bereadily viewed by the user. Thus, many cook tops also include anindicator, such as a LED under an area with indicia indicating “hot”311. This provides an indication that one of the burners is activated.However, if utensils or other cooking paraphernalia are present, thecenter areas may not be readily viewable to the user and may not bereadily apparent to the user burner is activated.

Thus, another form of visual indication may be provided to the user inthe form of LEDs associated with the burner that is currently activated.In this embodiment, a series of LEDs are arranged in a semi-circular arcaround each burner. These LEDs are typically located under the tintedglass, so they are not readily viewable when they are off, but whenturned on, the illuminate through the glass cooking top. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 4, a series of ten LEDs 304 are arranged oneach side of the burner. When a particular output level of the burner isselected using the control knob 310, the corresponding numerical level308 is displayed in the control area 306 and a corresponding number ofLEDs are activated 305. In this embodiment, an output level of “4”corresponds to four LEDs 305 activated on both series of LEDs for theassociated burner and corresponds to the burner operating at 40% ofmaximum output. Typically, as the output level increases, the number ofLEDs activated increases until a maximum level is reached and all theLEDs are activated on both sides of the corresponding burner. Thisprovides the user a ready visual indication of which burners are on, andtheir respective output levels. The user can readily detect thisinformation, even if the control area is obstructed. Variations on thenumber and placement of the LEDs or other visual indicators are readilypossible. For example, a series of LEDs 312 could be placed in an arcshape around the control knob 310 in the control area 306 providingready feedback as to the degree of rotation of the knob.

Audible Output Devices

Feedback can also be provided to the user in audible form. Using thepiezoelectric buzzer, audible tones or variable pitches may be providedto the user to indicate a specific burner setting level, increase ordecrease of a burner setting, and/or identifying a particular burnerbeing activated. The use of an audible feedback allows users that may bevisually impaired to gain greater operational control of the appliance.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the type of audible feedback scheme thatcan be provided to the user. In this scheme, the back burners share acommon scheme of sounds at one tonal range 52 and the front burnersshare a common scheme of sounds 50 at another tonal range. There arenine (1–9) burner settings that may exist for any burner and eachsetting corresponds to a particular sound frequency. For example, if aback burner is set on “1” the sound 54 generated corresponds to acertain frequency, which in this embodiment is 220 Hertz (correspondingto “A” on a piano below middle “C”). In contrast, when a front burner isset to “1”, the sound output is 440 Hz (one octave higher, known as“concert A”). In this embodiment, each setting corresponds to a halftone note according to the so called “American Standard Pitch” tonalscheme, where the first setting corresponds to an “A”, the second pitchcorrespond to an “A#”, and the highest setting would correspond to a“F”. Thus, the front burner will have a feedback range 52 from 220 Hzcorresponding with the first setting 54 to about 350 Hz (349.228 Hzexactly) corresponding to the highest setting 56. Each output tone istypically of a fixed duration (such as 500 milliseconds) and of a fixedvolume. However, it is possible in other embodiments that each settingwould have a different duration, tone, or volume.

Although two sets of frequencies 50, 52 are disclosed, (one for thefront burners and the other for the back burners) other embodiments mayhave four sets of frequencies, one corresponding to each burner.Although having four ranges may be difficult for users to correlate to aparticular burner, alternatively different scales (major or minor) canbe used to distinguish between left and right burners. This schemeallows easier audible identification of an individual setting on aspecific burner.

This represents one embodiment of applying a chromatic scale to provideaural feedback of the settings. Various other embodiments, in whichother scales, frequencies, and notes corresponds to each burner'ssettings are possible. Typically, an increase of frequency correspondsto an increase in the burner output.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment in which aural feedback can bevaried according to the burner output setting based on increasing theburning setting. In FIG. 6, each output setting corresponds to twooutput tones. For example, burner output “1” corresponds to a lower tone60 that migrates to a higher tone 61. Similarly, burner output setting“2” had two tones 62 and 63. Consider the case where the user has theburner setting on “1”, but then switches the output to “2.” In thisembodiment, when a change is detected, the microcontroller is programmedto indicate an audio output for “2” in which a tone corresponding to alower frequency 62 is provided for a fixed time (e.g., 250 milliseconds)and then shifts to a higher tone 63 for another fixed time period (e.g.,250 milliseconds). Thus, the overall time duration 64 of the tone is 500milliseconds. The user then is able to detect an increasing in tone andassociates this with an increase in the burner output. The first tonemay correspond to the previous burner output setting, while the secondtone corresponds to the current burner output setting. Further, the userwill also be able to determine the relative output of the burner basedon the second tone 63 of the sequence. Thus, the user can aurallyascertain the relative setting of a particular burner.

Similarly, in FIG. 7, when the user is decreasing the burner output, thetones may be provided in a decreasing manner. For example, the firsttone 71 represents the tone of the previous output setting, while thesecond tone 72 indicates the current setting.

Finally, FIG. 8 represents another embodiment, in which the lower tone82 is of a certain frequency and at a certain volume, but when thesecond frequency 61 is provided, it is at a louder volume (denoted bythe thicker lines 61). In this manner, a more distinctive emphasis onthe direction of change may be indicated to the user. Alternatively,this type of scheme may be used to different between left/right orback/front burners.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various combinations offrequencies, tonal progressions, and duration may be used to indicate tothe user the change in status of a particular output burner.

Further, the tonal combination could be customized according to thepreferences of the user. Since certain users may be hard of hearing atcertain frequencies, it may possible to configure the microcontroller toshift the tones down an octave, or increase the volume overall to agreater level.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention are merely possible examples of the implementations,merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of theinvention. Any variations and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiments of the invention without departingsubstantially from the spirit of the principles of the invention. Allsuch modifications and variations are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of the disclosure and present invention and protectedby the following claims.

In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that thoseskilled in the art will observe that many variations and modificationscan be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departingfrom the principles of the present invention. Also, such variations andmodifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, in theclaims hereafter, the structures, materials, acts and equivalents of allmeans or step-plus function elements are intended to include anystructure, materials or acts for performing their cited functions.

1. A system for providing user feedback comprising: an input deviceoperated by a user to indicate a desired operational status of ahousehold appliance; a microcontroller controlling a householdappliance, the microcontroller receiving input from the input device,the microcontroller providing in response a first output signal and asecond output signal; a plurality of heating elements operativelyconnected to the microcontroller, at least one of the plurality ofheating elements activated to generate heat in response to the firstoutput signal; and a plurality of discrete LEDs controlled by the secondoutput signal, the microcontroller activating a number of the pluralityof discrete LEDs in proportion to the first output signal.
 2. The systemof claim 1 further comprising: a multi-segment LED display operativelyconnected to the microcontroller and displaying a numerical indicationto the user associated with the first output signal.
 3. The system ofclaim 2 wherein the number of the plurality of discrete LEDs activatedis equal in number to the numerical indication displayed by themulti-segment LED display.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein theplurality of discrete LEDs are arranged in an arc-shape around theperimeter of the heating element.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein theplurality of discrete LEDs are arranged in an arc-shape in proximity tothe input device.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the input devicecomprises a rotational directionless encoder.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein all of the plurality of discrete LEDs are activated when thefirst output signal results in the heating element generating maximumheat.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the household appliance is acooktop.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the heating element generatesheat by induction.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofdiscrete LEDs are of different wavelengths generating different visiblelight.
 11. A method of providing visual feedback to a user of ahousehold appliance comprising: receiving input regarding a operationalstatus of the household appliance from the user at a microcontrollercontrolling the operation of the household appliance; determining in themicrocontroller a variable output control signal controlling theoperational status of a heating element; generating at least one signalin the microcontroller activating a number of a plurality of discreteLEDs in proportion with a level of the variable output control signal,the number of discrete LEDs activated indicating the operational statusof the heating element.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising:receiving the variable output control signal at the heating element ofthe household appliance.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the variablecontrol signal causes the heating element to generate heat by induction.14. The method of claim 11 further comprising: generating in themicrocontroller a digital signal determined in part by the variableoutput control signal; and providing the digital signal to amulti-segment LED indicating a numerical value associated with theoperational status of the heating element.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein the numerical value indicated on the multi-segment LEDassociated with the operational status of the heating element is equalto the number of discrete LEDs activated.
 16. The method of claim 11wherein the input regarding the operation status of the householdappliance is provided by the user to turn on one of a plurality ofheating elements.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising the stepof generating one sound from a group of sounds associated with a levelof the variable output control signal.
 18. A system for providing userfeedback comprising: an input device operated by a user generating auser determined input signal to indicate a desired operational status ofa household appliance; an audible sound generator receiving a variableinput signal and capable of generating a sound of one of a plurality offrequencies in response to the variable input signal; a microcontrollercontrolling the household appliance, wherein the microcontroller isconfigured for: receiving the user determined input signal from theinput device, and generating an appliance control signal and thevariable input signal, wherein the appliance control signal controls aheating element on the household appliance, and wherein the variableinput signal is determined in part by the user determined input signal,and wherein further, the variable input signal is of a characteristic togenerate the sound correlated with the appliance control signal.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18 wherein the frequency produced by the audible soundgenerator is a tone based on the American Standard Pitch tonalprogression.
 20. The system of claim 18 further comprising: a burnerreceiving the appliance control signal and generating heat in responsethereto.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein the frequency generated bythe audible sound generator is in proportion to the appliance controlsignal.
 22. The system of claim 20 wherein the audible sound generatorproduces a first frequency followed by a second frequency in proportionto a change in the user determined input signal.
 23. The system of claim22 wherein the first frequency followed by the second frequency isdetermined in part by the appliance control signal, wherein theappliance control signal is increased or decreased based on the userdetermined input signal.
 24. A system for providing user feedbackcomprising: an input device operated by a user to indicate a desiredoperational status of a household appliance; a microcontrollercontrolling the household appliance, the microcontroller receiving inputfrom the input device, the microcontroller providing in response a firstoutput signal and a second output signal; one of a plurality of heatingelements operatively connected to the microcontroller and generatingheat in response to the first output signal; and an audible soundgenerator controlled by the second output signal, the microcontrollerdetermining the second output signal based in part on the first outputsignal and causing the audible sound generator to generate one frequencyselected from a set of frequencies based on the first output signal. 25.The system of claim 24 wherein the microcontroller further causes theaudible sound generator to generate a sound of a defined frequency thatis associated with the one of the plurality of hearing elements.
 26. Thesystem of claim 24 wherein the audible sound generator is apiezoelectric buzzer.
 27. The system of claim 24 wherein the householdappliance is a cooktop.
 28. The system of claim 24 wherein the secondoutput signal is a pulse width modulated signal.
 29. The system of claim24 wherein the microcontroller is capable of selecting the one frequencyto be produced by the audible sound generator from a set of at leastnine frequencies.
 30. A method of providing audible feedback to a userof a household appliance comprising: receiving input at amicrocontroller from the user altering the operational status of aburner on the household appliance; determining from a plurality burnersthe burner of which the operation status is to be altered; determiningone signal from a plurality of audio control signals that is associatedwith the burners and in proportion to power provided to the burner; andproviding the audio control signal determined to an audio output device.31. The method of claim 30 further comprising: determining whether theinput from the user increases or decreases the output level of theburners; and determining one signal from a plurality of audio controlsignals based in part on whether the power provided to the burner isincreased or decreased.
 32. The method of claim 30 wherein the step ofproviding the audio control signal to an audio output device comprisesproviding the audio control signal to an audio output device to generatea tone.
 33. The method of claim 32 wherein the tone is based on theAmerican Standard Pitch series of tones.
 34. The method of claim 30wherein the audio output device is a piezoelectric audio device.
 35. Themethod of claim 34 wherein the audio output device is accompanied by avarying visual indicator.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the varyingvisual indicator is comprised of a plurality of discrete LEDs.